aide-soignant
The French phrase for health care assistant is aide-soignant.
This term describes a worker who provides basic nursing care and support to patients under the supervision of a nurse. Note that an aide-soignant provides basic care and works under a nurse, whereas an infirmier or infirmière is a registered nurse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of aide (assistant/help) and soignant (one who cares for/treats).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term Préposé(e) aux soins is used for a care attendant or caregiver. In France, you can use Aide-soignant(e) hospitalier(ère) to specify that the individual works in a hospital setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term changes its ending to aide-soignante when referring to a female health care assistant. To make the term plural, add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective: aides-soignants.
Did you know?
- While an aide-soignant handles physical care, French hospitals use the term ash (short for agent de service hospitalier) for those who focus on the hygiene of the environment rather than the patient.
- In France, the role of aide-soignant is a regulated profession that requires a specific state diploma, the DEAS, meaning it is not simply an entry-level job for any assistant.
- The word soignant comes from the verb soigner, which can mean both 'to nurse' and 'to take great care of' a piece of clothing or a garden.
Examples in context
- Mon cousin travaille comme aide-soignant à l'hôpital.My cousin works as a health care assistant at the hospital.
- Il travaille comme aide-soignant à l'hôpital.He works as a health care assistant at the hospital.
- Mon frère est un aide-soignant très dévoué.My brother is a very dedicated health care assistant.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing their career paths over coffee.
- LéaTu veux devenir aide-soignant, Nathan ?Do you want to become a health care assistant, Nathan?
- NathanOui, j'aime beaucoup aider les patients.Yes, I really like helping patients.
- LéaC'est un métier très important.It is a very important job.
- NathanC'est vrai, et je suis prêt à apprendre.That's true, and I am ready to learn.
